What happened: New York City's Department of Transportation has put up 18 blue-and-orange street signs along Sixth and Seventh avenues in Manhattan, each one honoring a member of the championship New York Knicks and matched to that player's jersey number. The markers went up Monday and are scheduled to stay for about four weeks. Locals are already predicting the instant-collectible signs will be swiped by die-hard fans long before then.

Why it matters: The tribute marks the franchise's first title in 53 years, capping a playoff run that turned the city's streets and plazas into nightly gathering spots. By naming intersections after the roster, the city is cementing the championship into the everyday geography of Manhattan rather than a one-day parade. The theft chatter underscores how much demand there is for a piece of the moment.

What to watch: Watch whether the signs survive the month or disappear into fans' collections, and whether the city replaces any that go missing.